MARSH HARRIER. 
Circus rufus Bbisson. 
PLATE XXIV. 
Falco seruginosus, Linn Circus rufus, Brisson Buz- 
zard harpaye ou de marais, Temm Moor Buzzard of 
British ornithologists Marsh Harrier, Selby. 
This species, while it maintains the general 
form and contour of the Harriers, exhibits 
stronger proportions in every way. It is, at the 
same time, very similar in its manners, flight, and 
mode of hunting ; delights in low and marshy 
grounds, preys on aquatic animals and birds, 
reptiles, water-rats, wild-ducks, and frogs. It 
glides over the cover or tall reeds, close to their 
tops, making a dart when any quarry is raised, 
but never pursues it ; occasionally settles either 
to rest or seize some prey ; and we have several 
times got within shot by approaching cautiously 
when it had alighted. They frequent the same 
beat for many days together, crossing it nearly 
at the same hours, and hunting the same places 
in their turn. The nest we have never seen, but 
it is recorded upon good authority to be placed 
